Travel: Good for the Soul

My 18-Day Trip to Türkiye and Greece

Travel has a remarkable ability to reset the mind, awaken the senses and remind us just how much there is to experience beyond our everyday routines. It gives us permission to slow down, become curious and see the world from a different perspective.

Whether it is wandering through an ancient city, tasting a local dish for the first time or simply watching the sun set over the ocean, travel creates moments that stay with us long after we return home. Research has also linked holidays with reduced stress, improved mood and greater life satisfaction. Even the anticipation of an upcoming trip can give us something positive to look forward to.

My recent 18-day journey through Türkiye and Greece delivered all of this and more. It was a whirlwind of historic landmarks, spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches and memorable meals, with a healthy dose of relaxation along the way.

Cappadocia: A Storybook Beginning

After flying from Melbourne to Istanbul, we continued to Cappadocia for the first two nights of our trip.

Few places feel quite as otherworldly as Cappadocia. Its distinctive rock formations, cave dwellings and sweeping valleys create a landscape that seems almost too extraordinary to be real. Staying in a cave hotel added to the experience, giving us an authentic taste of the region’s character and history.

Of course, Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloons. Watching the colourful balloons rise above the valleys in the early morning was every bit as magical as the photographs suggest.

We stayed at:

Sultan Cave Suites

Our rating: 4/5 stars

The accommodation was full of charm, and the service was excellent. It was a wonderful introduction to Türkiye and set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Istanbul: Where Continents and Cultures Meet

From Cappadocia, we returned to Istanbul for two nights. The city is an intoxicating mix of history, culture, energy and incredible food.

Our sightseeing included the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum, the Blue Mosque and the mysterious Basilica Cistern. Each offered a different glimpse into Istanbul’s extraordinary past.

Wandering through Türkiye’s bustling bazaars and winding side streets was an experience in itself. The air was filled with the aromas of spices, freshly brewed Turkish coffee and sweet baklava, while colourful displays of ceramics, textiles, jewellery and lanterns lined the shops. Away from the main attractions, the quieter laneways offered an authentic glimpse into everyday life and revealed unexpected cafés, local artisans and hidden architectural treasures.

A cruise along the Bosphorus provided another perspective, with views across both the European and Asian sides of the city. Between the landmarks, we made plenty of time for Turkish street food. From savoury pastries and kebabs to sweet treats, eating our way through Istanbul was one of the highlights.

We stayed at:

The Bank Hotel Istanbul

Ou rating: 5/5 stars

The Bank Hotel Istanbul was a standout stay, combining contemporary luxury with the character of its historic surroundings. Its central Karaköy location made it easy to explore Istanbul’s major attractions, bazaars and vibrant side streets. The stylish accommodation, attentive service and rooftop bar, with sweeping views across the city and Bosphorus, earned it a well-deserved five-star rating from us.

Athens: Ancient Wonders and Modern Energy

Our next stop was Athens, where we spent two nights surrounded by ancient history and vibrant city life.

The Acropolis was naturally at the top of our list, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which provided valuable context to the ruins and artefacts. We also watched the ceremonial changing of the guard, explored the shops and embraced one of Greece’s simplest pleasures: eating freshly made gyros!

We stayed at:

Electra Rhythm Athens

Ou rating: 5/5 stars

Its central location made exploring easy, while the rooftop restaurant offered excellent food and memorable city views. The friendly service completed the experience.

Paros: Time to Slow Down

After the energy of Athens, we travelled to Paros and stayed in the beachside village of Logaras for four nights.

Logaras was peaceful, picturesque and perfect for slowing down. With its waterfront setting and relaxed atmosphere, there was not a long list of attractions to work through, and that was precisely its appeal. Some destinations encourage you to explore; Logaras encourages you to stop.

When we wanted more activity, we ventured into the island’s main town to enjoy its lively crowds, shops and restaurants.

We stayed at:

Magoo Suites

Our rating 5/5 stars

Magoo Suites was one of the most relaxing stays of the trip. Located directly on the waterfront at Logaras Beach, it offered a peaceful setting where we could wake to views of the sea and enjoy the slower rhythm of island life. The stylish accommodation, beautiful outlook and easy access to the beach made it the perfect base for unwinding.

Naxos: Beaches, Atmosphere and Island Life

From Paros, we continued to Naxos for four nights, staying in Agios Prokopios.

This part of the island had a great atmosphere and some truly beautiful beaches. Naxos Town offered a livelier contrast, with its waterfront setting, port and winding streets. A visit to the famous Portara, also known as Apollo’s Door, was a must. Standing above the harbour, this enormous marble gateway is one of the island’s most recognisable sights.

We stayed at:

Colosseo Naxos Studios

Our rating 2/5 stars

The location directly opposite the beach was excellent, but the room itself was rundown and did not meet our expectations. It was a reminder that even on an amazing trip, not every experience will be perfect!

Santorini: A Spectacular Finale

Our final destination was the idyllic island of Santorini, where we spent two nights in Oia.

Famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes and dramatic caldera views, Oia lived up to its reputation. Around almost every corner was another postcard-worthy scene.

We also visited one of Santorini’s distinctive black sand beaches, where the volcanic landscape created a striking contrast with the blue Aegean Sea.

We stayed at

Katikies Oia

Our taking: 5/5 stars

An unforgettable experience! The location was exceptional, the room was stunning, and the view was breathtaking. On our final evening, we dined at Botrini’s Restaurant, bringing the trip to a suitably special conclusion.

More Than a Holiday

Our 18 days through Türkiye and Greece offered the perfect balance of discovery, culture, food and relaxation. We moved from Cappadocia’s surreal valleys to Istanbul’s bustling streets, from the ancient wonders of Athens to the tranquil beaches of the Greek islands.

Travel is good for the soul because it interrupts the familiar. It asks us to look up, pay attention and be present. We return home with photographs and souvenirs, but also with new perspectives, stronger memories and a renewed appreciation for the world around us.

Sometimes the greatest benefit of going away is discovering just how refreshed, inspired and alive we feel when we return.

Oct 26